Fantastic historical resources, and where to find them
If you’re a fan of historical photos, graphics and maps like I am, here are two resources to get lost in.
The David Rumsey Map Collection
For global exploration of historical maps, cartographic materials and graphics from the 16th century onward, visit The David Rumsey Map Collection, housing over 150,000 maps, maritime charts, cartographic materials and much more.
More than half of the collection is digitized and extensively catalogued. The site is free to the public with access to high resolutions images for personal use, and allows users to compare and analyze visuals. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. It’s an extraordinary trip through history. Note, set a time limit, otherwise hours will pass.
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OldNYC Project
Closer to home, an enterprising digital artist mapped historical photos from the New York Public Library (NYPL). Developer Dan Vanderkam plotted the old photos from the New York City views collection from the late 1800s/early 1900s on a Google Street View map.
With over 80,000 original photographs, click through all five boroughs to discover the amazing history of the city and its ever-changing landscape and neighborhoods. Great views of decades of change in the Big Apple.
Explore, and get lost. It’s so much fun.
